Brought to you by: Fishtale Lodge
Steve McCadams'
Kentucky Lake Fishing Report for:
February 24th, 2006
Fishing is on the
rebound after last weekend’s brutal cold snap that dropped temperatures
to the single digits in surrounding areas on Saturday night. Snow and
ice dominated the weekend too and kept anglers off the lake.
Things changed quickly
at midweek, however, as temperatures climbed back into the mid 50’s and
light winds returned. Crappie anglers wasted no time in getting back on
the water.
Presently, surface
temperatures were in the 38 to 42 degree range, which are a few degrees
cooler than last week at this time. Watch for waters to warm a few
degrees in the days ahead.
Observed lake levels
were 354.4 at New Johnsonville. Downstream at Kentucky Dam the readings
were in the 354.5 range. The reservoir has been falling slowly this week
but watch for a slight rise in lake levels by this weekend or early next
week after some runoff from midweek rains.
Water color remains
clear throughout the Tennessee River and only a slight stain in the
lower Big Sandy. Up Big Sandy and into West Sandy some dingy water was
present.
Action was fair
Wednesday and Thursday for crappie fishermen who found fish somewhat
scattered after the cold front. And, there appeared to be some shad
dying in the aftermath of the cold spell too, which is not unusual when
temperatures fall quickly.
Often times, threadfin
shad will succumb to quick temperature inversions and go into shock when
caught in shallow areas. If the abundance of sea gulls is any
indication, a lot of shad must be available throughout the Paris Landing
area.
Meanwhile, some crappie
were taken on main lake ledges in depths of 18 to 23 feet at midweek.
Success stories came from a few boats that worked deep sides of sandbars
where fish were holding around stumps and brush.
Baits of choice were
purple and chartreuse jigs, blue and white, and red and chartreuse. Some
fish were also taking live minnows.
Up Big Sandy and in
West Sandy, anglers were finding fish in 9 to 13 foot zones around
structure. Water there was a little stained. Popular colors for jig
fishermen were pink and white, along with some fluorescent leadheads
such as green and pink. A few anglers were using black leadheads and
pearl colored tube style bodies.
Watch for action to
improve in the days ahead as warm weather is predicted for the weekend.
Late winter has always been unpredictable for anglers and the last three
weeks have certainly lived up to that reputation.
For The Lake Barkley Report
Click Here
Also check out our past:
Kentucky Lake Fishing Reports
Steve McCadams
Steve McCadams is one of the nation's best known Crappie Fishermen
and a full time resident of Paris, Tennessee. Steve is also a
professional hunting and fishing guide here in the Paris Landing area.
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